1) Formation
Dover Athletic is actually only 33 years old, having been formed in 1983, following the collapse and dissolution of the town’s former club. Athletic took the old club’s place in the league.
2) They Won The League, But Not Promotion
In the 1989/90 season, Dover Athletic actually won the Southern League Championship, but failed to secure promotion to the Football League because their ground did not meet league requirements.
3) FA Cup Runs
The club has reached the Third Round of the FA Cup twice, in both the 2010/11 and 2014/15 seasons. They were knocked out by Huddersfield Town and Premier League outfit Crystal Palace, respectively.
4) Highest Attendance
Their second-ever Third Round appearance against Crystal Palace also saw their highest-ever recorded home attendance. The Crabble Athletic Ground was packed, as the 5,745 capacity stadium saw a crowd of 5,645 turn up for the match. Athletic lost 4-0, however.
5) Highest League Finish
Dover’s highest league finish came in the 1999/2000 season, when they finished sixth in the Football Conference, the fifth tier of English football and the highest non-league division. Currently fourth in the league, they may well be on course to better that finish, and challenge for promotion to League Two.
6) Largest Points Total
In the 1989/90 season, Dover Athletic, playing in the Southern League Championship, not only won the league, but accumulated their record points total of 102. However, as previously mentioned, they were denied promotion due to the size of their ground.
7) Highest Goal Tally
Being relegated to the Southern Division in 1985/86 was probably not seen as a positive thing by those involved with the club. However, the league proved easy for them, and they scored at a rate of over two goals per game, notching 89 strikes in just 40 matches that season.
8) Heaviest Defeat
The club’s heaviest defeat was a 7-1 loss to Poole in 1984, a season that saw them relegated to the Southern Division.
9) Biggest Win
The club’s biggest victory was an 8-0 dismantling of East Preston in 2009. The win was part of a successful season in which they finished in a playoff position.
10) Club Record Holders
Jason Bartlett is the club’s all-time record appearance holder, playing in 539 matches for the club. Their top scorer, with 160 goals, is Lennie Lee.
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